These 2 chapters describe the different kinds of offerings that the LORD commanded the people of Israel to offer at appointed times and feasts of the year.

Although they are different offerings for different occasions and purposes, the repeated phrases speak of the same characteristics and requirements I learn regarding what the LORD desires of one’s offerings. And this reflects the kind of life the LORD wants Israel to live and the relationship He wishes to have with them.

For example, many of the things mentioned in the beginning of the section of 29:1-6 are repeated in the previous sections (28:16-25; 26-31) and following sections (vv. 7-11; 12-38.) They are:

1. A holy convocation (29:1)

2. Not to do any work (29:1)

3. Offer a burnt offering (29:2)

4. For a pleasing aroma (29:2)

5. Without blemish (29:2)

The emphasis that the offering must be “without blemish” is even more intense in the observance of the final feast, the Feast of the Booths, which is also called the Feast of the Tabernacles (tents). These two words appear 10 times in chapter 29 (vv. 2, 8, 13, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 36.)

They emphasize the LORD’s desire for us to offer up a sacrifice that is pure, clean and holy. Nothing unclean, impure or unholy should be allowed to enter into His presence, His holy temple.

Today the Apostle Paul beseeches us,

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1,2)

“Sukkot” or the Feast of the Booths recalls the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness and living in tents, and the LORD also showed His presence in their midst in the Tabernacle. This teaches me that if the church wishes for the LORD to be in our midst, then together, we must live holy lives, and “touch not the unclean things” in the world.

Again, Paul says,

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)

Our God is a relational God and He desires to dwell among his people. However, He will not make His presence and dwelling among people with uncircumcised hearts, unclean lips, evil intentions, and motives.

Thus, the Psalmist says,

For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:16, 17)

Prayer : Dear holy God, you dwell in the heavenly places, and you are also with those who have a sincere, broken and contrite heart. Thank you for the unblemished Lamb of God, my Saviour Jesus Christ who came to take away my sins, and the sin of the world, so that we might be restored in our relationship with you. I pray that you will empower me with your Holy Spirit to live a life that is pure and holy, and worthy of you. In Christ’s name. Amen!